Hi. New to the forum, new to bike racing Have had a Trek no name shimano components bike in the garage for a few years and decided that it would be a good idea to enter the Epic in 2009. I had a sneaky suspicion that the bike was made for more than just a place to hang work clothes and rags from. Luckily Kevin Vermaak relegated me to lottery loser status but I decided to try my hand at racing anyway. In no time at all the landing gear sent a message to the brain that at 47 years of age a dual suspension bike might make life in the saddle more bearable! So shopping I went. And came home more confused than ever. Fixed a budget at 20 - 25K (never thought I would pay that much for a push bike!!) Anyhoo there are two bikes that stand out as reasonable value for money. Giant Anthem 1 and a Silverback Mercury 1. 20 and 25k resp. My question is aimed at those in the know and with some experience of either bike, what are the good and bad points of these two bikes? Any other that I should consider? The one other that caught my eye was a Giant Trance X. Less racy but looks good, if looks count. Appreciate any input. Thanks. Plentipotential.
